Problem
• The patient teaching for dutasteride should include the following information:
1) Explain the purpose of the medication and how it works to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
2) Inform the patient that dutasteride is taken orally, typically once a day.
3) Warn the patient about the potential side effects of dutasteride, including decreased sex drive, impotence, decreased volume of ejaculate, and breast tenderness or enlargement.
4) Advise the patient to inform the healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
5) Inform the patient that dutasteride may take several months to provide maximum benefit and that they should continue taking the medication even if they do not immediately notice a change.
• In a voiding diary, JK should track the following information:
1) Time of urination
2) Amount of urine voided
3) Any difficulty or discomfort during urination
4) The number of times he gets up to urinate during the night
This information provides valuable insights into JK's urinary habits and symptoms, which can help the healthcare provider, determine the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, tracking symptoms in a diary can help JK better communicate with his healthcare provider about his symptoms and treatment progress?
• If JK fails to respond to the initial therapy with dutasteride, the clinician may add an alpha-blocker such as tamsulosin. The method of action of tamsulosin is to relax the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, allowing for improved urine flow. The advantage of adding tamsulosin is that it provides rapid relief of symptoms, whereas dutasteride may take several months to provide maximum benefit.